Around 180 barangay captains from Manila’s 5th District gathered at the Fortune Mansion Seafoods restaurant in Malate on Sunday to express support for the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) senatorial slate ahead of the upcoming elections. The event focused on the significance of engaging with local communities during campaigns.
The gathering was organized by Barangay 670 Chairwoman Bai Aleya Bidua and Sultana Bhae Izashy Amor Mastura of the Royal House of Maharlika.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, who was invited by the barangay captains, spoke about the importance of grassroots campaigning, emphasizing that election outcomes are shaped by the will of the people, not political machines. He encouraged the crowd to focus on community-level efforts, noting that political endeavors should prioritize the public’s needs.
“Mga kapitan ng barangay—kayo ang tunay na lakas ng kampanya. Hindi tayo umaasa sa ingay—tao ang puhunan natin. Saludo ako sa inyong tapang at malasakit. Magkasama tayo sa laban na ito,” Go said.
Go also reflected on his long-standing involvement with the people of Manila, particularly during local crises like fires, floods, and the pandemic. He emphasized that public service is not limited to legislation, but must be rooted in care for the community.
"Alam nyo, parati po ako dito sa Manila tuwing may sunog, nung baha, pandemya at ibang krisis, nandito rin po tayo. Maraming lumapit kanina, nagpapasalamat sa tulong—sa Malasakit Center, sa ambulansya, sa programa, ar iba pa... Pero ang totoo, ako dapat ang magpasalamat sa inyo. Ako po ay isang probinsyano na binigyan ninyo ng pagkakataong magsilbi sa inyo. Hindi ko po sasayangin ang tiwala ninyo at oportunidad na ibinigay ninyo sa akin na makapagserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya," he said.
Go also highlighted his legislative efforts to support barangay officials, including his sponsorship of Senate Bill 197, known as the Magna Carta for Barangays. The bill aims to provide recognition and benefits for barangay officials. He also mentioned legislation that seeks to offer allowances, incentives, and job security for barangay health workers.
Additionally, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2838, the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), on February 3. The bill aims to provide compensation and benefits for community health volunteers. Go, who co-authored the bill, acknowledged the crucial role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare in underserved areas.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Go noted that his legislative work is driven by the goal of improving lives through direct service and compassion.
"’Yan po ang trabaho namin bilang senador: constituency, representation, at legislation. Hindi lang batas. Kailangan mailapit ang serbisyo sa tao. Ako po, mula sa Davao, isang Batangueño na Bisaya, pero laking Maynila rin. Dito ako nag-aral, dito ako nakatira. Kaya ituring n’yo akong kapitbahay na handang tumulong," he said.
The senator also made a final request, urging barangay leaders to encourage their communities to make informed decisions at the polls.